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ICynosure



The freelancing industry has seen an impressive growth in the past several years, with 82% men freelancing already and a record 48% women considering freelancing. Freelancing in India has improved on two counts - the number of opportunities and the commercials on each project. Freelancers make about $30,000 on an average annually. Being a freelancer today is a really good deal, especially since you can pick your own niche, work on your own time, work on your own terms and more importantly work for anyone in the world from anywhere in the world. The only two things you need to have as a freelancer is the skill and knowledge of your craft and an internet connection. However the one thing that remains the biggest concern for freelancers is payments, and the last thing one wants to do is go chasing for payments after the projects have been completed.

As a freelancer, I’ve experienced first hand the growth in projects from both international and Indian companies. However, payments have never been a concern for me since I have a PayPal account and invoice my clients using the inbuilt invoicing mechanism that PayPal offers. Since 4 in 5 freelancers work with international clients from Australia, UK, and the US, PayPal becomes a preferred choice that enables receiving payments in a timely, safe and secure manner. I strongly advocate PayPal for its many features including customised invoice creation, Seller Protection that safeguards from fraudulent chargeback, flexibility in receiving payments in over 26 currencies and cool features like a PayPal.Me, a link that can be sent for requesting payments. I also love the fact that payments received into my PayPal account are transferred directly into my bank account linked to PayPal. 



PayPal.me 
PayPal.me is a customised individual link to request payments. You can either register with your own name or your business name to create your unique identity which also makes it easier for your clients to connect with you.

Seller Protection
Seller Protection becomes immensely relevant as most freelancers deal in intangibles and very few of the services are covered through protection. PayPal offers Seller Protection on consultancy and online services including but not limited to content development, web and mobile development, software development and much more. Of course, the platform follows a strict protocol to identify whether your transaction is eligible for Seller Protection and check proof of service. 

So if you are a freelancer or a small scale merchant, PayPal Business Account is your way forward from today. There is no additional charge, just the transaction processing fees, backed by PayPal’s global risk capabilities. I’ve got my Business account, get yours today. 


Until next time,

~ Heena
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It is a picturesque world and as I’m armed with a smartphone, I go clicking pictures all the time.  And for someone as keen on clicking and sharing pictures, Instagram is the place to be.

How To Start A Blog

Thinking to myself ‘how many platforms can one really be on? I need to put a line somewhere to stop’. Though initially, I was a bit reluctant to join Instagram, I gave in to my interest and joined the platform a couple of months ago.  And since then when I dress I Instagram, when I dine out I Instagram, when I get a good photo opportunity I Instagram.  Instagram is certainly addictive and super fun and easy to use.

Even though I joined the bandwagon pretty late, I simply love Instagram. However, the big question is ‘who to follow’. It really doesn’t matter who you don’t follow, but the few you must follow are Bloggers. You shall want to know why? Here is why you should…

Beyond Blogging
Instagram gives you a sneak peek into a blogger’s life much beyond the blog. Apart from my niche, you will see pictures of my interests, my lifestyle, things I do, etc, etc. Instagram offers a more personal friendship. 

Dressing Down 

As a #fashionblogger my posts will be all articulated, meticulously styled and near perfect. My blog will reflect what I’d love to wear, how best it would be to style. However, on my Instagram feed, you will see what I actually wear on a day-to-day basis.

Wishlist & Others
When something fancy catches my eye it goes on to the lust list on Instagram. Isn’t that something you want to keep an eye out for, too? Flaunting goodies I receive from time to time also makes it on the feed. An honest thumbs up or down in the picture detail gives one first-person account of what I think about it. 

What’s Next
As a blogger, I receive loads of information about what products are going to be launched, what’s the new trend to hit the fashion industry and many a time I get these products/services offered to me much before they are available in the market. What better than Instagram to keep you updated as well as I Instagram the details. 

Events with Amazing Brands and Blogger Buddies
No extra points for guessing that I get invited to brand events, fashion shows, store launches and collection previews. The best way to know everything about these is Instagram as its instant sharing. Not only would you see the hits and misses but also get to meet my friends and get to know about different blogs and bloggers. Event pictures with friends are the most fun things, ever.

Last but not the least, Instagram is instant connection. So the basic point is to ‘Hit Follow’ and get to know amazing things about your favourite bloggers. 

Can't get enough of me at #iCynosure? Follow me on Instagram for more.
~ Heena
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The last few days have been so hectic. First I went crazy deciding whether to move domain or not, then finding answers to a zillion questions and then actually understanding the process and on top of all the technology celebrating my Blogoversary. I'm pretty proud to say I did it myself without any pro-help. 

The switch from a blogspot subdomain to a custom domain was daunting initially but trust me it was pretty easy to switch and I was done within minutes. Here is a quick tutorial for you in case you need help - How To Setup Custom Domain, Step-By-Step Tutorial. I am delighted with the response to my post and the trust my fellow bloggers have placed in me and taken the leap to switch as well. The many email I've received has made me realise that they have the same fears, concerns and queries as I had myself.  So today I'll try to answer a few questions that I am able to... 

Do I have to redirect all my posts individually to the new URL?
NO, Blogger automatically redirects all your old posts to the new links using the 301 redirect. For example, the post http://www.icynosureblogspot.in/2013/03/put-yourself-first_18.html automatically redirects to http://www.icynosure.in/2013/03/put-yourself-first_18.html. 

Will the new URL work with or without 'www'?
YES, Ideally the new URL should work both with and without the 'www'. However, if it doesn't, go to Blogger Settings and edit the custom domain name to redirect it to the nak*d domain www.yournewurl.com.

Is there any limitation on bandwidth, comments, visitors, etc? 
NO, There are no limits imposed with a custom domain. 

Will the switch mess up my SEO? How would search engines find my blog?
NO, The 301 redirect ensures that search engines are made aware of the new URL. Traffic may go down for a bit and so would the rankings, however, it will continue to flow and all will be regained in a few weeks. 

Will I lose my Page Rank and Alexa Rank? 
YES, As you will be using a brand new domain the ranks will be affected. However, as answered in the previous question you will not lose traffic or search engine traffic which is more important and so the ranks shall be regained in a few weeks.

Will my stats be reset to zero? 

NO, The stats that are displayed on the blog via the stats gadgets (Visitors, Page Views, etc) are not reset, they continue as normal.

Will I lose the blog followers after the switch?
NO, This refers to all three GFC, G+ and Bloglovin. The followers remain unless there is a problem with the gadget. All my followers have remained, phew am so glad. 

Will I lose the blog comments after the switch?
YES/NO, I have no clue as to why this happens but yes all comments made via G+ commenting platform are lost. However, if you have the regular Blogger commenting platform your comments are all safely visible on the blog. I've been told that G+ comments can be restored... have been implementing those HTML codes, but none seem to be working at the moment. Will update as and when things move on, on this front. 

Will I lose my Reading (Blog) List?
YES, You will lose your blog list once you connect your new domain, so it will be best to save your blog list links so you can quickly add them again.

What is the transition period? 
Usually, when you switch to a custom domain it takes about 30 minutes for the same to be connected. During this time, the blogspot address is still active and readers are able to access the same. However, in some cases, the transition takes a longer period too, up to 12 hours. 

That's it. I really hope that answered many of your questions however, if you have more questions or want to add to one of the responses above, do leave a comment.

Happy Moving, 
~ Heena
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Hello... I'm sure you've noticed or maybe not, that we've moved to a custom domain. Here is what you need to do if you want to move, too... just a little help. yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!

How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Am so happy that I've finally accomplished it. It was such a Yes-No-Yes-Not Sure-Yes kinda decision as there were so many unanswered questions, a zillion queries buzzing through my mind, and much more. I asked around and realised most of my blogger friends were as clueless as myself and so the entire last week has been all about research and research. It did look like a daunting task in the beginning, but once I understood the nitty-gritty it really was okay. The move is a one-time thing and then you don't have to worry about it anymore.

I always wanted to own a custom domain and finally after a parking my chosen domain name, I finally took the plunge with GoDaddy to register ICynosure.in at a great price. So here it is for you.

Once you decide to go with a custom domain, first register your chosen name with any registrar you wish and then follow the steps outlined below. I've tried my best to keep it simple and self-explanatory, but should you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me. 

Go to Blogger Settings; Basic; Publishing
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Click Add a Custom Domain; Input the Domain Address; Save
Custom Domain Address in my case is www.icynosure.in
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Once you Save, you will get an error message. And that's absolutely fine, cause you are getting some important information from there. Check marked circle. 

Info to input in Domain Registrar's Zone File Editor Page (Check Image 6 below)

How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Also for the option "Where would you like to host your blog?"  
Of the two options choose - On a top-level domain (www.example.com). 
Next step is to update your blog details on the registrar account. 

Go to GoDaddy (or which every host you got your domain from); 
Domain Dashboard; Select Domain Name; Launch
You will be directed to Domain Details page.
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Click on DNS Zone File; Edit

A new window opens to display a Zone File Editor.
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Go to CNAME (Alias); Input Blogger Error Details (Image 3); Click Save Zone File
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

You're almost done... Now Go back to the Domain Dashboard and launch. 

Select Domain; Forward; Forwarding Domains; Add Custom Domain; Save
How To Start A Blog, Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Tada... you're done. 
Now wait a couple of hours and you are ready to flaunt your new URL. Congratulations!

Hope this helps. Do leave me your comments about this tutorial, whether it has been helpful or not. 
~ Heena
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How To Start A Blog

Just as the title suggests we've moved to our very own custom domain. We're so glad that we finally decided to take the step ahead and move. It's been a year since we started our journey on iCynosure and it has been an excellent ride. 


Since some time we've been eager to switch and redesign the website to give visitors easier access to posts, stories, tips, etc. In addition to better access and overall design, we also have some great new initiatives that we'll announce week on week.


iCynosure will retain much of its current look and feel, but it is now integrated into a brand new domain. Over the next few months, we'd be adding some new features that will give you a unique behind-the-scenes view of what we're up to, and browse and view posts by niche and interest. There may be a few bugs on the way, but hopefully, we'll be able to resolve them quickly. As we switch I'd love to hear from you about what you'd like to see, hear and just anything you want to say to us or as for help. 


March is going to be a month of celebrations, so stay tuned. Invite your family, friends and practically everyone you know. Thank you all for your continued support and readership.


Much Love
~ Heena
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How To Start A Blog

Six months ago I ventured into a new journey, a journey called BLOGGING.

After quitting my job with a UK multinational, I found the time to multi-task in activities close to my heart - spend time with my pretty princess, photography and writing. The idea of my digital diary took seed in early 2013 and I began my long cherished dream to write for myself. 

During the last six months, I’ve realised that Blogging like any other profession is sheer dedication, commitment, crazy working hours and loads of hard work.  Having said that, today my Blog is an extension of my life where I unabashedly express my views about everything under the sun…  my life experiences, relationships, fashion trends, beauty products, shopping experiences and much more. Today, blogging has made me an all-together different person, giving me the freedom to thrive.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Blogging allows me to express my views about things I relate to. As a blogger I am able to bring in realism and relationships into my writings, connecting them to related topics.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Blogging allows me to do things the way I prefer to do them, without any restrictions. My personal creativity flourishes when I unabashedly express my views through honest and truthful writings.

FREEDOM OF TIME
Blogging allows me to set up my own schedule, without any deadlines. My step by step goal setting has enabled me to achieve my personal goals without compromising on quality due to time constraints.

FREEDOM OF AFFILIATION
Blogging allows me to connect with like-minded individuals. My blog engages readers from all over the world, encourages them to follow different yet related stories. My blog attracts brands and sponsor alike. Sponsors, readers, co-writers, and each individual associated with my blog are individuals I love to connect and work with.

As a creative professional, I always carved for FREEDOM. Blogging allows me to draw shapes I like, colour those shapes with colours I visualise at the time I prefer.

Thus,
#BloggingIsMyCalling as it draws me in and becomes the cynosure of my attention.
#BloggingIsMyCalling as it backs my freedom to create, whilst holding me accountable for the output.
#BloggingIsMyCalling as it connects me with fantastic like-minded individuals who are willing to educate, learn and share.

#BloggingIsMyCalling as it gives me a dais to shine on, through my work within the fraternity earning the respect of my contemporaries whilst bagging desirable prizes and gifts.

Whats your calling? Leave me your comments.

Until soon,
~ Heena
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About Me

About Me

Hey, my name is Heena and I'm a Mumbai based blogger, influencer and content creator.

iCynosure.in is my cozy corner on the internet, where I've chronicled things that fascinate and inspire me.

Enjoy browsing and feel free to get in touch at icynosureblog@gmail.com

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